Friday, November 21, 2008

a love letter to mark giordano

dear gio:

i don't want to get ahead of myself but i really wanted to let you know how much i appreciate you.... um.... well... i appreciate you just being around.

you got a bit of a raw deal a year ago when sutter refused your one-way contract, and you essentially told him where to stuff it by taking off to russia. that must have been tough, but it's sure proving to have been the right move, hey ?

gio, when i watch you out there, i see you really working your tail off. you're not infallible but you seem to learn from your mistakes; errors that might've been the right play overseas on bigger ice. tonight you got an assist on the game's only goal, a shot off the post, and a 3rd star for your efforts, and i think in the coming weeks you'll build on this night. i'm excited for it (for me, AND for you)...

i like your patience with the puck in the defensive zone (for the most part), and i like your creativity with the puck in the offensive zone. your passes are like little rubber bullets from stick to stick. your shots are on-goal, generally, and your insight is amazing.... the bottom line ? sir, i like your style....

you will never be a big hitter with a bullet like dion, or a complete shutdown guy like reggie. but what i see is an up-and-coming baby kaberle in you, and i'm rather pleased that you're wearing a flaming C.

in the next days, i will take my 2-and-0 jersey in to get some lettering and numbering on it, and it will reflect your well-earned spot on this flames roster.